Friday, May 09, 2008
SsangYong appoints new car dealer boss
David Foster joins as dealer development manager
SsangYong has announced the appointment of former Bank of Scotland executive David Foster as dealer development manager.
Foster joins importer and distributor Koelliker UK just as its relaunch of the brand and franchise takes place, and reports to finance and operations director Ian Nicholson.
The company has been planning for a viable franchise and dealer network since January, with a target of 60-70 fully active dealers this year. Foster worked for ten years as the senior director at Bank of Scotland Dealer Finance, formerly Capital Bank Motor Finance.“With possible future changes in Block Exemption, there will be opportunities for all of us,” said Foster. “SsangYong has a great chance to provide dealers with valuable income streams at a very low cost of entry to the franchise.”Nicholson added: “This is a significant new appointment that signals KUK's long term aspirations and intentions for a solid and profitable dealer network.”Foster will make his first public appearance in his new role at Motor Trader’s Dealer Drive show on 20 May.
DATED: 09.05.08
FEED: MT
SsangYong has announced the appointment of former Bank of Scotland executive David Foster as dealer development manager.
Foster joins importer and distributor Koelliker UK just as its relaunch of the brand and franchise takes place, and reports to finance and operations director Ian Nicholson.
The company has been planning for a viable franchise and dealer network since January, with a target of 60-70 fully active dealers this year. Foster worked for ten years as the senior director at Bank of Scotland Dealer Finance, formerly Capital Bank Motor Finance.“With possible future changes in Block Exemption, there will be opportunities for all of us,” said Foster. “SsangYong has a great chance to provide dealers with valuable income streams at a very low cost of entry to the franchise.”Nicholson added: “This is a significant new appointment that signals KUK's long term aspirations and intentions for a solid and profitable dealer network.”Foster will make his first public appearance in his new role at Motor Trader’s Dealer Drive show on 20 May.
DATED: 09.05.08
FEED: MT
Government in biofuel gaff
Experts claim new fuel damages car engines
The biofuel-rich petrol and diesel introduced by the government last month can damage or even destroy car engines, according to some experts.
If a garage tank has not been properly cleaned, bacteria can form jellyfish-like blobs in the mixed fuels, which can eventually clog car filters, increase engine wear and destroy seals and pipes.
Since the government started requiring fuel sold in the UK to contain at least 2.5 per cent biofuel, garages have reported an increase in complaints regarding the above.
Businesses are now being warned that they must flush out their tanks regularly to avoid these complications.
Motorists have been warned to avoid fuel sold on the black market or at disreputable garages.
The problem may be worse in cars with older systems, as they are not designed to be compatible with the organic content of biofuels.
DATED: 09.05.08
FEED: MT
The biofuel-rich petrol and diesel introduced by the government last month can damage or even destroy car engines, according to some experts.
If a garage tank has not been properly cleaned, bacteria can form jellyfish-like blobs in the mixed fuels, which can eventually clog car filters, increase engine wear and destroy seals and pipes.
Since the government started requiring fuel sold in the UK to contain at least 2.5 per cent biofuel, garages have reported an increase in complaints regarding the above.
Businesses are now being warned that they must flush out their tanks regularly to avoid these complications.
Motorists have been warned to avoid fuel sold on the black market or at disreputable garages.
The problem may be worse in cars with older systems, as they are not designed to be compatible with the organic content of biofuels.
DATED: 09.05.08
FEED: MT
Kia Motors UK appoints head of fleet and remarketing
Kia Motors (UK) has appointed Andrew Sellars as its new head of fleet and remarketing.
Sellars will tackle the company’s recently re-focused sales efforts in the fleet and business sectors, supporting the brand’s fleet specialist dealer network across the country.
He will also be responsible for all Kia used car remarketing activities and Kia residual values.
Yaser Shabsogh, Kia Motors UK sales director, said: “Sellars is the perfect individual for this role because he has such extensive experience of our dealer network.
"He has been with the Kia brand throughout the last five years and so has seen how our growth has been built on dramatically improving product quality and a closely focused retail strategy that is delivering sustainable and profitable growth for both the dealer network and the brand nationally."
DATED: 09.05.08
FEED: AM
Sellars will tackle the company’s recently re-focused sales efforts in the fleet and business sectors, supporting the brand’s fleet specialist dealer network across the country.
He will also be responsible for all Kia used car remarketing activities and Kia residual values.
Yaser Shabsogh, Kia Motors UK sales director, said: “Sellars is the perfect individual for this role because he has such extensive experience of our dealer network.
"He has been with the Kia brand throughout the last five years and so has seen how our growth has been built on dramatically improving product quality and a closely focused retail strategy that is delivering sustainable and profitable growth for both the dealer network and the brand nationally."
DATED: 09.05.08
FEED: AM
Simon Wheeler has been appointed as Fiat UK’s head of used vehicle remarketing.
He reports to Adam Pumfrey, director of fleet and remarketing and takes on responsibility for the disposal of all Fiat Group owned vehicles into the Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Fiat Professional dealer networks.
He also takes on responsibility for managing and growing the Fiat and Alfa Romeo approved used vehicle schemes across the UK.
Wheeler, previously worked for Trader Media Group and was director of company vehicles, used cars and distribution for MG Rover.
Wheeler said: "Fiat Group is a growing force within the UK motor industry and the efficient management of used cars through both the wholesale pipeline and the retail channel is vital.
"We need to underpin the success of some very desirable new products with class leading support in used car retailing. I am looking forward to the challenge that this important role brings."
DATED: 09.05.08
FEED: AM
He also takes on responsibility for managing and growing the Fiat and Alfa Romeo approved used vehicle schemes across the UK.
Wheeler, previously worked for Trader Media Group and was director of company vehicles, used cars and distribution for MG Rover.
Wheeler said: "Fiat Group is a growing force within the UK motor industry and the efficient management of used cars through both the wholesale pipeline and the retail channel is vital.
"We need to underpin the success of some very desirable new products with class leading support in used car retailing. I am looking forward to the challenge that this important role brings."
DATED: 09.05.08
FEED: AM
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Recruitment: Skills sets need to change for future
Future training in the motor industry should focus more on people than products.
By 2020, skill sets will need to be more orientated towards customer service, moving away from technicians and cars sold.
Sarah Sillars, IMI chief executive, said: “The size of the industry is fairly static, and will employ about 600,000 staff – about the same as now – but there will be fewer technicians and more people in customer service and sales.
That’s the real emphasis change.
DATED: 08.05.08
FEED: AM
By 2020, skill sets will need to be more orientated towards customer service, moving away from technicians and cars sold.
Sarah Sillars, IMI chief executive, said: “The size of the industry is fairly static, and will employ about 600,000 staff – about the same as now – but there will be fewer technicians and more people in customer service and sales.
That’s the real emphasis change.
DATED: 08.05.08
FEED: AM
Kia appoints new fleet chief
Andrew Sellars is promoted to new role
Kia has appointed a new head of its fleet and remarketing division.
Andrew Sellars has been promoted to the role from the position of area manager where he was responsible for Kia's sales team in the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
He joined the brand in 2003 as a regional business manager and he previously worked for the Gordon Lamb group in Sheffield and other carmakers.
In his new role Sellars will be responsible for Kia's contract hire division and developing sales in the fleet sector.
Yaser Shabsogh, Kia sales director said: "Andrew is the perfect individual for this role because he has such extensive experience of our dealer network.”
DATED: 08.05.08
FEED: MT
Kia has appointed a new head of its fleet and remarketing division.
Andrew Sellars has been promoted to the role from the position of area manager where he was responsible for Kia's sales team in the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
He joined the brand in 2003 as a regional business manager and he previously worked for the Gordon Lamb group in Sheffield and other carmakers.
In his new role Sellars will be responsible for Kia's contract hire division and developing sales in the fleet sector.
Yaser Shabsogh, Kia sales director said: "Andrew is the perfect individual for this role because he has such extensive experience of our dealer network.”
DATED: 08.05.08
FEED: MT
Daimler to strike Jaguar and Land Rover parts deal?
Daimler keen to supply components to new owners
Daimler is interested in selling components to Land Rover and Jaguar following the brands’ purchase by Tata Motors, in which Daimler holds a 7 per cent stake.
Daimler chief executive Dieter Zetsche said he would be open to talks with Tata’s head, Ratan Tata, concerning the matter.
The German manufacturer pointed out that its components could fill the supply gap left by Ford, from which Tata purchased the marques.
Zetsche said that there were currently no plans to raise Daimler’s stake in the Indian company, as it is “comfortable” with what it has now.
Zetsche added Daimler would make a decision on a production site in eastern Europe for its new A and B class compact cars by June this year.
DATED: 08.05.08
FEED: MT
Daimler is interested in selling components to Land Rover and Jaguar following the brands’ purchase by Tata Motors, in which Daimler holds a 7 per cent stake.
Daimler chief executive Dieter Zetsche said he would be open to talks with Tata’s head, Ratan Tata, concerning the matter.
The German manufacturer pointed out that its components could fill the supply gap left by Ford, from which Tata purchased the marques.
Zetsche said that there were currently no plans to raise Daimler’s stake in the Indian company, as it is “comfortable” with what it has now.
Zetsche added Daimler would make a decision on a production site in eastern Europe for its new A and B class compact cars by June this year.
DATED: 08.05.08
FEED: MT
Toyota Prius tops JD Power
Hybrid is rated the best car to own in the UK
The Toyota Prius is the most satisfying car to own, according to an influential consumer survey.
The hybrid model was ranked top in the JD Power and Associates/What Car? 2008 UK Car Customer Satisfaction Index Study, earning a score of 901 points out of 1,000.
The Prius in action
Lexus came top in the manufacturer rankings - a position it has held for the past seven years.
Skoda was ranked second behind Lexus, followed by Honda, Toyota and Jaguar.
Honda fared particularly well, as well as a placing among the top three manufacturers, the Japanese brand also picked up the greatest number of segment awards.
Fiat came bottom overall, receiving just 774 points out of 1,000, which placed it just ahead of Mitsubishi with 775 points.
Chevrolet and Kia were third and fourth from the bottom, followed by Citroen.
DATED: 08.05.08
FEED: MT
The Toyota Prius is the most satisfying car to own, according to an influential consumer survey.
The hybrid model was ranked top in the JD Power and Associates/What Car? 2008 UK Car Customer Satisfaction Index Study, earning a score of 901 points out of 1,000.
The Prius in action
Lexus came top in the manufacturer rankings - a position it has held for the past seven years.
Skoda was ranked second behind Lexus, followed by Honda, Toyota and Jaguar.
Honda fared particularly well, as well as a placing among the top three manufacturers, the Japanese brand also picked up the greatest number of segment awards.
Fiat came bottom overall, receiving just 774 points out of 1,000, which placed it just ahead of Mitsubishi with 775 points.
Chevrolet and Kia were third and fourth from the bottom, followed by Citroen.
DATED: 08.05.08
FEED: MT
MG confirms Longbdrige production
Summer launch date for the TF LE500 sportscar
MG cars will be built at Longbridge this summer after Chinese owner NAC finally confirmed its plans for the UK.
The TF LE500 sportscar will go into production in August, the carmaker’s newly-appointed chairman has announced – marking a return to production in Longbridge after a three year hiatus.
At last: The new MG arrives this summer
He Xiao Qing said NAC recognised the frustration the delay had caused in the industry but the carmaker was now focussed on the job in hand.
“I am delighted to be in a position to talk about a launch date for the TF LE500 following a process of planning, re-organisation, quality improvements and parts optimisation that we recognise resulted in frustration for our stakeholders,” He said.
“We are now fully focussed on bringing our hard work to fruition.”
DATED: 08.05.08
FEED: MT
MG cars will be built at Longbridge this summer after Chinese owner NAC finally confirmed its plans for the UK.
The TF LE500 sportscar will go into production in August, the carmaker’s newly-appointed chairman has announced – marking a return to production in Longbridge after a three year hiatus.
At last: The new MG arrives this summer
He Xiao Qing said NAC recognised the frustration the delay had caused in the industry but the carmaker was now focussed on the job in hand.
“I am delighted to be in a position to talk about a launch date for the TF LE500 following a process of planning, re-organisation, quality improvements and parts optimisation that we recognise resulted in frustration for our stakeholders,” He said.
“We are now fully focussed on bringing our hard work to fruition.”
DATED: 08.05.08
FEED: MT
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Dealers showing demand for well-specced LCVs
Manheim Auctions says strong sales prices at its LCV auctions indicate growing demand among franchised dealers for highly specified vans.
At a recent Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle sale, restricted to its franchised dealers, vans with metallic paint, air-con, sat-nav, parking sensors and eletric windows, mirrors and seats were in very strong demand.
Alex Wright, CV sales director at Manheim, said such vehicles are sought by dealers to cater for the self-employed customer, who wants a used van with "kerb appeal" and flexibility of use.
James Davis, group CV manager, said the auction firm has seen growing use by dealers of its CV Live online auction system, which saves them the need to actually attend an auction.
On average 21 extra buyers have logged on for every CV sale held this year.
DATED: 07.05.08
FEED: AM
At a recent Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle sale, restricted to its franchised dealers, vans with metallic paint, air-con, sat-nav, parking sensors and eletric windows, mirrors and seats were in very strong demand.
Alex Wright, CV sales director at Manheim, said such vehicles are sought by dealers to cater for the self-employed customer, who wants a used van with "kerb appeal" and flexibility of use.
James Davis, group CV manager, said the auction firm has seen growing use by dealers of its CV Live online auction system, which saves them the need to actually attend an auction.
On average 21 extra buyers have logged on for every CV sale held this year.
DATED: 07.05.08
FEED: AM
Renault-Nissan to launch electric cars
Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn has promised that a range of electric cars will be on sale in the United States in 2010 and in Europe the following year. The first battery electric car will be launched in California, with plug-in hybrid electric cars with small petrol-fuelled generators to extend their range to follow. Mr Ghosn also said that he viewed government subsidies and incentives as essential to the success of the electric vehicles.
DATED: 07.05.08
FEED: AW
DATED: 07.05.08
FEED: AW
Peugeot axes 30 car dealers
Carmaker reorganises ahead of 2010 Block Exemption
Peugeot has served notice on around 30 dealers as it moves to reshape its UK dealer network ahead of the 2010 Block Exemption Regulations.
Talking to Motor Trader Rod Philpot, director of network development, confirmed that notices had been given to the affected sites following a geo-demographic analysis of the network.
“We will reduce the network from around 300 points to 260-270 so we’ll part company with about 30 dealers, We’ve notified them verbally and will do so formally by 31 May,” he said.
DATED: 07.05.08
FEED: MT
Peugeot has served notice on around 30 dealers as it moves to reshape its UK dealer network ahead of the 2010 Block Exemption Regulations.
Talking to Motor Trader Rod Philpot, director of network development, confirmed that notices had been given to the affected sites following a geo-demographic analysis of the network.
“We will reduce the network from around 300 points to 260-270 so we’ll part company with about 30 dealers, We’ve notified them verbally and will do so formally by 31 May,” he said.
DATED: 07.05.08
FEED: MT
Audi to launch electric car range
Carmaker switches focus to hybrid technology
Audi plans on launching a range of electric cars within the next five to ten years.
The luxury brand will focus more intently on producing zero emission vehicles in the medium term, according to press reports.
Rupert Stadler, Audi’s chairman, told German newspaper Welt am Sonntag that he expects diesel and battery technology to dominate in the coming five to ten years.
"Electric cars offer great opportunities, which we have already seized on," Stadler said.
He denied that Audi already lagged behind rivals BMW and Mercedes in developing hybrid technology and claimed that the brand’s research capacities were larger than those of its German competitors.
DATED: 07.05.08
FEED: MT
Audi plans on launching a range of electric cars within the next five to ten years.
The luxury brand will focus more intently on producing zero emission vehicles in the medium term, according to press reports.
Rupert Stadler, Audi’s chairman, told German newspaper Welt am Sonntag that he expects diesel and battery technology to dominate in the coming five to ten years.
"Electric cars offer great opportunities, which we have already seized on," Stadler said.
He denied that Audi already lagged behind rivals BMW and Mercedes in developing hybrid technology and claimed that the brand’s research capacities were larger than those of its German competitors.
DATED: 07.05.08
FEED: MT
